UPROAR IN HOUSE OVER EMERGENCY REGULATIONS.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 17864, 4 June 1926, Page 15

UPROAR IN HOUSE OVER EMERGENCY REGULATIONS.

KING’S NAME MENTIONED IN DEFIANCE OF SPEAKER. By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—-Copyright. Aus. and N.Z. Cable Association. LONDON, June 2. In the House of Commons, when Sir W. Johnson-Hicks formally moved a motion thanking the King for his message announcing a State of Emergency, the Speaker stated that he had received an amendment which he thought was out of order. Mr Ramsay MacDonald: “What are its terms ? ” The Speaker: “It provides for an addendum to the motion praying his Majesty to exercise the Royal prerogative, and pardon all strike-time emergency offences. This ought to be a separate motion which will perhaps be relevant when the Regulations are being discussed.” Mr MacDonald appealed for the withdrawal of the Regulations, the continuance of which was insulting to the country whose people had shown wonderful good temper and patience. Sir William Joynson-Hicks admitted the people’s good temper, but said there were cases of a reversal of that state. He was surprised at Mr MacDonald’s request, because the emergency was as great now as originally. Mr G. Buchanan (Labour) asked: “ Would I be in order in criticising the King for issuing the proclamation as he had no right to authorise it?” (Ministerial cries of “ Order ”) The Speaker’s reply was inaudible. He was about to put the motion when a further excited uproar was led by Messrs Buchanan, Campbell, Stephen and Kirkwood. Mr Buchanan insisted that the Speaker must reply. The Speaker said he had already replied. “You are certainly not in order. The King’s name must not be brought into discussions, because what he has done was on his Ministers' advice.” Mr D. Kirkwood protested that it was a class proclamation. It was a “scab” Government backing the mineowners against the workers. Mr Kirkwood proceeded to taunt “ you gentlemen of England,” but the Speaker ordered him to resume his seat. Mr J. Westwood (Labour) opposed the address of thanks. He opined that the King did not believe in the proclamation. The Speaker: “Order! I cannot allow the King's name to be used by one side or the other in any way.” The motion was agreed to by 249 votes to 100. Sir William Joynson-Hicks moved the continuance of the Emergency Regulations. Mr A. Barnes (Labour) moved an amendment to omit the clause giving power to the Board of Trade to regulate the supply and distribution of food and fuel. The amendment was rejected by 268 votes to 108. Labour members continued to oppose the clauses dealing with the supply and distribution of essentials and empowering the Home Secretary to prohibit the use cf funds from abroad intended for any purpose prejudicial to the safety and interests of the community. Sir William Joynson-Hicks said there were 1760 strike-time charges, of which 63S were fined and 629 imprisoned. Altogether, there were 150 incitement cases and 1389 of violence and disorder. He was unable to recommend his Majesty to issue an amnesty in the cases of incitement to violence and obstruction. Sir H. Slesser urged that there was no case for the continuance of “this martial law,” the existing law being sufficient to deal with the present situation. Mr Westwood moved the omission of the regulation giving the police power to arrest without warrant. The amendment was rejected by 173 votes to 78, and the regulations were carried by 171 votes to 73.